Tube rectifier question

[skoora]

I have a couple of tube rectifier amps and the consensus seems to be to not use standby when powering them on as the rectifier will ramp up the voltage more safely for tube wear but they still put standby switches on these amps. I haven’t got an answer from either manufacturer, Tone King and Fender on best use. Is there ever a design issue, maybe including relays or other things where you would want to use standby when switching on a tube rectified amp?

 

[midnightlaundry]

I wouldn't sweat it..
I have however had rectifiers fail. Then I got an RCA 5U4GB that will probably last me to the grave.

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[ChurchHill]

I've read that stand-by isn't needed with a tube rectifier, but I still think it's a good idea. Even though the voltages come up much slower than with a solid-state rectifier, they still get there in less than the 30-60 second it takes for all the elements to heat up because the heaters come up more slowly, too. I've always thought that applying full power to a tube that's not fully heated can wear the tube out faster due to the thermo-chemical reaction with the plate coating.

In any case, I could be wrong about all that, but I still usually leave my amps on for at least 5 minutes before switching them off stand-by. I think they sound better when they've warmed up a bit.

 

[skoora]

I found this interesting but don’t know if there are other factors that make this not conclusive or truly meaningful. Some interesting user comments as well to other facets of tubes and power.